UAV | UAS | Drone Operations

The operation of UAVs (UASs/Drones) around airports and other sensitive areas is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Visit thefaa.gov/uas/ for additional information on requirements for operating in a safe and legal manner. The FAA offers a B4UFLY SmartphoneAppfor determining rules in various locations. AirMap is another great application based resource for remote operator pilots.

www.knowbeforeyoufly.orgis a great resource that provides airspace classifications, airport locations, heliport locations, and aerial imagery to determine any restrictions that may exist where you want to fly. The site also provides info on recreational clubs, flying rules, registering your UAV, and other resources to keep you flying legally and safely.

Within 5-miles of the Airport perimeter UAV's are not allowed to be operated for any purpose unless notification is made to the Airport and Air Traffic Control Tower prior to the flight. At this time the Airport is deferring notification to the Air Traffic Control Tower only until an app based notification system is implemented.

Air Traffic Control Tower can be reached at (608) 783-0202 and select option 1 to operate within the 5 mile radius of the airport.

As a general rule of thumb if you are doing any flying for profit or a business, even if money is not changed hands (e.g. taking images for your real estate listing, a roofing company taking roof photos, etc.), you are a commercial operator and need a Remote Pilot Certificate. For more information on becoming a Remote Pilot Operator Click Here.

Must make notification to both airports and heliports within 5 miles of your flying location. There are two heliports in La Crosse.

UAV's must be flown below 400 feet above ground level

UAV's must be kept in visual line of sight of the operator at all times

UAV's must NOT be flown near manned aircraft

UAV's must NOT be flown over groups of people, stadiums or sporting events

UAV's must NOT be flown near emergency response efforts

Follow Public Law 112-95, Section 336

We recommend utilizing the AirMap application when flying your UAV. The Airport is currently working to integrate this application into our local air traffic control tower as well as the local hospitals for helicopter operations. The goal is to have a one stop application for providing all local notifications at some point in the near future.

The following considerations should be taken into account when you decide to fly a UAV:

Liability Insurance - Many if not most homeowner policies do not cover your use of a UAV. There are several insurance companies offering policies to protect you in case of an accident or incident.

Privacy and Other Local Laws - The Laws concerning flying over other peoples personal property are not yet well established, therefore it is best practice to ask permission before flying over other peoples personal property. State Statute 942.10 does prohibit the photographing or recording of individuals in a place or location where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Cooperate with law enforcement if questioned about your activity. Law enforcement will utilize the FAA guidance Here.

National Parks are a no-fly zone!

Wisconsin Law prohibits UAV flight over state correctional institutions including their grounds. Additionally Wisconsin law allows political subdivisions to enact ordinances designating areas in which the operation of UAV's is prohibited so check your local ordinances.

Clubs - Consider joining a local model aeronautics club, they offer a great place to fly your UAV without so many restrictions and joining the Academy of Model Aeronautics provides some insurance protection when flying at a club site. Visit http://www.modelaircraft.org/clubsearch.aspx to find your nearest club.

Local UAV Specific Ordinances (make sure to check with the local jurisdiction for updated information)

Local jurisdictions - if you have a local ordinance please contact the Airport and we will add the information to this site for local dissemination.

FAA Smartphone AppAvailable for UAV Operators

The FAA offers a smartphone app that can help users understand restrictions around flying their devices. B4UFLY instructs users about current or upcoming requirements and restrictions in areas of the National Airspace System (NAS). Download the app at: www.faa.gov/uas/B4UFLY

The La Crosse Regional Airport offers close parking, easy check-in, convenient daily flights to major hubs, free Wi-Fi, and a comfortable atmosphere including in-seat electronic chargers, nursing room, children's play area and television.

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"Many of our patients, employees and prospective employees rely on La Crosse Regional Airport for business and personal travel. As the La Crosse area's largest employer, reliable, regional air transportation services are critical to the growth and health of our organization and other local businesses." Gundersen Health System

"As a large company based in La Crosse, we have vendors, suppliers and business partners visiting us on a weekly basis.
The ability for those people to fly in and out of LSE is a huge advantage." Kwik Trip, Inc.

"There is nothing like arriving so close to home at the end of a trip. Our La Crosse Airport is an asset to our community and the recent improvements make it pleasurable and comfortable to fly local." La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce